Christmas lights Sheffield: When Meadowhall, Crystal Peaks, Fox Valley, city centre lights will be switched on

It may be October, but with Christmas light switch-ons often coming in November, is it really too early to begin planning for Christmas?

Not at all.

This is when venues across Sheffield will be switching on their Christmas lights and if any have special events planned.

Sheffield city centre

The Christmas lights switch on in Sheffield city centre will not take place this year. Sheffield City Council confirmed the decision on October 26, 2023 - citing the works on Fargate have meant the event is "not possible".

The celebrations were planned for 2pm on Sunday, November 19, 2023. However, the council is hosting a weekend of festive activities called 'Sheffield's Festive Weekend'.

It will run over November 18 and 19 and include brass bands, choirs, street dance artists, and an outdoor cinema. The Christmas Market will return from November 16 until Christmas Eve.

Crystal Peaks

In 2023, the Crystal Peaks team are expecting their lights to be turned on around November 13. The centre won't be holding a switch-on event, but will have a Santa's Grotto from November 11, so families can come and visit Father Christmas whilst the lights are illuminated.

The centre has also confirmed Sheffield Children's Hospital snowflakes will again cover the outside - as Crystal Peaks is one of the city venues where the iconic snowflakes are featured.

Fox Valley

Fox Valley is no stranger to Christmas celebrations, having hosted the iconic Coca-Cola truck on numerous occasions. This year, the centre will be hosting another big switch-on event - though it is not yet confirmed whether the Coca-Cola truck will return in 2023.

However, the centre has now confirmed its full line-up for the Christmas Lights Switch On on November 17, which will official start Fox Valley's countdown to Christmas.

Meadowhall

Christmas fun will be coming to Meadowhall on Thursday, November 9, 2023, when the Christmas Parade is held in the mega-mall. The lights will be turned on on the same day, ready for the parade.

In previous years, the parade has featured Santa in a giant sleigh, which travelled through the centre from one end to the other. Santa has been joined by a number of other festive characters in the past, including The Grinch.